Durham is a weirdly specific place. If you’ve spent any time at the University of New Hampshire, you know the vibe: it’s this mix of frantic student energy and quiet, old-school New England grit. But right on the edge of the campus chaos sits a spot that feels like it’s operating on a completely different timeline. I'm talking about the Three Chimneys Inn, which houses the ffrost Sawyer Tavern. It isn't just a restaurant; it’s basically a structural survivor. Built in 1649, the building has seen more history than most of the textbooks being sold at the university bookstore down the street.
Honestly, when people look for Three Chimneys restaurant Durham NH, they’re usually looking for one of two things: a fancy spot for a graduation dinner or a dark, wood-paneled corner to hide in with a stiff drink and a plate of fish and chips. It manages to be both. That’s a hard trick to pull off without feeling fake, but when your walls are made of three-hundred-year-old brick, you don't really have to try that hard to be authentic.
The ffrost Sawyer Tavern vs. The Maples: Knowing Where to Sit
You have to understand the layout before you walk in, or you'll feel out of place. The Three Chimneys Inn splits its dining personality. You’ve got the ffrost Sawyer Tavern (and yes, that lowercase "f" is intentional, which is a quirky bit of 17th-century naming tradition) and then you have The Maples dining room.
The Tavern is where the soul of the place lives. It’s got these massive hand-hewn beams and a fireplace that actually feels like it could heat a small village. It’s cozy. Maybe a bit cramped if you’re tall, but that’s the charm. The Maples is more "white tablecloth." It’s where you take the parents when they’re footing the bill. Most locals, though? They’re heading straight for the tavern. There’s something about eating a burger in a room that was standing during the King Philip’s War that makes the food taste more... significant.
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What’s Actually on the Menu at Three Chimneys Restaurant Durham NH?
Let's talk about the food because history only gets you so far if the kitchen is a mess. It’s New England fare. You aren't coming here for molecular gastronomy or tiny portions of foam. You’re coming for the Lobster Mac and Cheese. It’s heavy. It’s rich. It’s exactly what you want when the New Hampshire winter is trying to freeze your eyelashes off.
The menu changes seasonally, which is a good sign. Any place that serves the exact same asparagus in January and July is lying to you. Usually, you’ll find:
- A rotating fresh catch that actually comes from the coast (we’re only about 20 minutes from the Atlantic, after all).
- Steak Frites that are consistently reliable.
- The ffrost Sawyer Burger, which is usually topped with something interesting like caramelized onions or a specific local cheddar.
They also do a surprisingly good job with vegetarian options. It’s not just a sad salad. They’ll usually have a grain bowl or a handmade pasta that feels like an actual thought went into it. But let’s be real—the star of the show is often the bread pudding. If they have it on the menu when you go, just order it. Don’t think about the calories. Just do it.
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Why the 1649 Date Actually Matters
The building is officially the Old ffrost Homestead. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the state. If you’re a history nerd, the fact that it sits on a hill overlooking the Oyster River is important. Back in the day, that river was the highway. Everything—timber, trade goods, gossip—came up that water.
There’s a specific kind of atmosphere that comes with a building this old. The floors creak. Not in a "we need to fix this" way, but in a "this wood has settled over four centuries" way. It’s one of the few places in Durham where you can’t hear the hum of the university. You’re tucked away. It’s a literal fortress of old-world charm.
Dealing with the Crowds and the Quirks
Okay, real talk. Because it’s right next to UNH, this place gets slammed. If there is a home football game, a graduation ceremony, or even just a particularly busy parents' weekend, forget it. You need a reservation weeks in advance.
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The service is usually great, but it’s "New Hampshire great." It’s friendly and professional, but it’s not hurried. This isn't a fast-food joint. If you’re in a rush to catch a show or get to a meeting, tell them upfront, but honestly, you’re better off just leaning into the slow pace. The tavern is meant for lingering. It’s meant for having a second glass of wine because the fire is warm and the outside world is annoying.
The "Haunted" Reputation
You can't have a building from 1649 without people claiming there are ghosts. Is it haunted? Who knows. Guests and staff have told stories for years about "Alice," a spirit who supposedly hangs out in the hallways. Whether you believe in that stuff or not, the lighting in the tavern definitely leans into the "spooky-chic" aesthetic. It’s dim, it’s candlelit, and it feels like a place where secrets were whispered over ale a few hundred years ago. It adds to the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the establishment—they aren't just a restaurant; they are the stewards of a landmark.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want the "insider" experience, don't just show up for dinner.
- The Outdoor Terrace: In the summer and early fall, the terrace is the best spot in town. You’re surrounded by gardens, and it feels incredibly private.
- The Drink List: They take their craft beer seriously. Expect to see local favorites from Stoneface or Smuttynose.
- Mid-Week Visits: If you want the tavern to yourself, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The vibe is much more "local haunt" and much less "tourist destination."
Final Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit Three Chimneys restaurant Durham NH, don't just wing it.
- Check the UNH Calendar: If it’s a major university weekend, the town will be a parking nightmare. Plan accordingly.
- Book the Tavern Specifically: If you want the cozy, historic vibe, make sure you specify you want a table in the ffrost Sawyer Tavern rather than the formal dining room.
- Walk the Grounds: Arrive twenty minutes early. The property is beautiful, and walking down toward the Oyster River gives you a sense of why this spot was chosen in the mid-1600s.
- Ask About the Specials: The kitchen often gets small batches of local seafood that don't make the printed menu.
The Three Chimneys isn't just a place to eat; it’s a way to step out of the modern cycle for an hour or two. It’s expensive enough to feel like a treat, but grounded enough to feel like home. Grab a seat by the fire, order something heavy, and just enjoy the fact that some things actually last.